CONNAH'S QUAY COBRAS' lengthy winning run is at an end.

Following 11 victories in a row in all competitions, Cobras were pipped in a thrilling encounter versus Newcastle Predators in the Summer Classic Cup.

The eagerly anticipated match-up finished in a highly entertaining 6-6 draw, before Cobras lost out in a dramatic penalty shootout.

The Cobras had been unbeaten in the competition so far and the Predators arrived from the North East with a similar record, so this was always going to be an extremely close game.

The visitors were quickest out of the blocks and opened the scoring just 90 seconds into the game. They were 2-0 up by the time former Deeside Dragons NIHL player Chris Keating found the back of the net for the Cobras but then two more goals late in the period saw the Predators leading 4-1 at the first interval.

A fifth goal in the 24th minute looked to have put the Newcastle team well in control but a second goal from Keating shortly after that and a strike from Martin Rybka on 26 minutes narrowed the deficit.

Despite numerous chances for both teams, the rest of the second period was played out goalless and the score stood at a tantalisingly close 5-3 with 20 minutes left to play.

The Predators scored again early in the third period, but the Cobras were far from finished and they began their fightback.

A hat-trick goal from Keating just 59 seconds later narrowed the gap and three minutes after that he scored his fourth of the game to cut the Newcastle lead down to just one goal.

The Cobras put the Predators goal under immense pressure in the closing stages – outshooting them by 15–4 in the period – and they were rewarded with an equalising powerplay goal from Rybka with just 86 seconds left.

The result was then decided by a tense penalty shootout, which went the way of the visitors.

Predators take the two points for the win, while Cobras pick up one point for an overtime loss.

The Cobras are in action again this Saturday then they take on the Shropshire Huskies in a challenge match at Deeside Leisure Centre (4.30pm face-off).

The game will have guests from the charity Conwy Connect, who help promote the rights of people with a learning disability living in North Wales.

Admission is free for all spectators.